coffee chronicles

How To Set Up a Coffee Bar (Hot Cocoa Bar) Using A Keurig

5:10 PM Unknown 0 Comments

How do you feel when there is no coffee? Depresso. Get it? Ha! Everyone loves coffee. Here's how to build your own coffee bar for you next brunch, work function, or holiday party.


Table and Covering:
First things, first. Decide what you will be using as a table. It can be a traditional table (I used a 4x6 ft fold out) or a small cart or stand. I attached a white pleated skirt around the entire circumference of the table. You can go with plastic or linen, for timing reasons, I ended up using a plastic one. The  skirt was long and swept the floor. I decided to use a linen table cloth, to give a more elegant feel. The table cloth  hung a little longer than expected, so I did a fan type fold in the front and attached snowflake embellishments on the ends, to finish the look (and cover the double sided tape that held the folds together).

Backdrop:
 If you are creating a backdrop you may want to have this done before placing your table. Again, for timing reason, I placed the table near a wall and hung a hot cocoa bar sign incorporating a few snowflake stickies to enhance the look. Simple, but effective.

 Layout:
For the table layout, symmetry works best. So when you are purchasing your holders think two of everything (or at least most). This includes jars, glasses, dishes, etc. I went as far as getting two Keurigs (blame my OCD for this one) so I could place one on each end. One Keurig is definitely enough, you may want to place it in the center of the table as more of the focal point. 

Visual Appeal:

 To ensure your table is visually pleasing, you want to place things at different heights on the table.  You can do this by using taller dishes or utilizing lifters. Lifters can be anything from boxes, cake stands, crates, practically anything that gets your items off the table. A good rule of thumb is to have lower items at the front of the table and the taller items further back.

Beverages:
 I actually created more of a hot beverage bar. I had hot cocoa, coffee, and tea. All of these items come in K-cups. This appeals to a wider range of individuals.  Remember the Keurig takes water, so you will also need lots of spring or bottled water on hand.

Condiments:
Don't forget the condiments! This includes cream, sugar and honey. I had a selection of both liquid and powdered creamer, in a variety of flavors. You may also want to consider sugar alternatives such as Splenda, Sweet N Low, and honey for the tea.

Food:
 You may also want to add cookies, and other pastries that work well with hot beverages. For a complete list of what I had on my bar click HERE.

Utensils:
You will need serving cups, small plates, spoons, stirrers, and tongs for picking up sweets. Depending on the style you are going for you may want to have traditional glass mugs, or you may want to go with a paper cups. I used paper cups with the warmer sleeve and tops because I thought they were safer for children (think spills) also they can be used to go.

Labeling:
If you want to go the extra mile, you can label your desserts and condiments. I went with chalkboard style labels.

Tips: 
1. Placing items on different levels makes them more visually pleasing.
2. Don't forget sugar alternatives.
3. Cut and glue attractive font onto chalkboard label for a wow effect.
4. If using a long table skirt, use the under table space to store extra items to replenish the bar if needed.
5. Have lots of water on hand to refill the Keurig.
6. If you don't want to buy K-cups for tea, you can use regular tea bags. Just remove any K-cups in coffee maker and close. Let hot water run in cup and place tea bag in cup.

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